Thriving at Home!

Meet Franklin! Aiden's first pet!

I know that there are some out there that may not agree with my choice to homeschool my children, they think that I am robbing them of a "normal" education.  It is true that my children are shielded from some things a little longer than others, and I am perfectly okay with that. One of our local elementary schools went on lockdown this week for a bomb threat, the kids had to be bussed to a different location. That is both scary and a detriment to those kids education. They already only attend school four days a week, so every day matters. Arizona is one of the lowest ranking states in education, passing kids all the way through high school without the ability to read, write or do basic math. I want my children to flourish, I want them to love to learn and I want them to be able to explore this wonderful world without fearing for their life. I don't want their mindsets to be narrowed into only what the teacher has time to teach, I want them to be able to pursue their passions and interests. I want them to be well-rounded individuals, to be contributing members of society. I want them to know how to take care of themselves and others, how to be kind, generous and loving. I want them to know that anything worth doing takes hard-work, commitment and perseverance. I want to teach them to never give up and to always do your best. Maybe they could learn all this in a "normal" classroom setting, I am not saying that it is impossible. But is it really something that is worth the gamble? Or should I do everything in my power to do the best I can for my children to become the best versions of themselves? For now, homeschool is the best option for our family, and I am enjoying every crazy, wonderful minute of it.

Working together to learn!

Scrabble player in the making!

Learning valuable kitchen skills!

He read 30 books all on his own this month

and helped bake pumpkin muffins!

Scout Ahead!

I do not like admitting that I am jealous of anyone or anything, but I must admit that I have always been a little jealous of my brothers since they got to be involved in Boy Scouts. It seemed like so much fun and such a wonderful opportunity to learn important life skills. Of course, having boys, I am going to live vicariously through them and get them involved with this organization. I have been patiently waiting for them to come of age, and finally they started a den nearby for our age group. *Cue the heavenly chorus* Aiden is now officially a Lion Scout for Pack 468! We had our very first meeting last night, and to say we are both excited is an understatement. He could not stop talking about it the whole way home, and while he was getting ready for bed. It wasn't until he fell asleep, that he finally stopped talking about his newly earned title. Connor has been bitten by the green bug of envy, and laments about how unfair it is that he cannot be a scout or play baseball. Aiden is also starting Little League in March, so our busyness is about to be knocked up a few notches. The scouts are asking me to be a leader and I am seriously considering it. Just from the one meeting I have attended, I am already in charge of (because it was my idea) bringing Valentines to the local retirement homes. It is important to me that my children learn to give back, to volunteer, to take the time to do things for other people and get to know someone they might not normally interact with. It is those moments in life that shape and change you for the better, that push you to grow and develop as a person and as a positive contributing member of society.
I am hoping this will the be the first of many posts about our scouting adventures, and will do be more consistent in posting. Thanks for taking the time to read about what is going on in our life!

First Scout Meeting!

We have been all about the legos lately, 

Connor is so proud of his latest creation!

Plus it is something that he is "old enough" to do!